Class - Marxism

Question 1

Marx and Engels

Answer 1

There is a reserve army of labour which only benefits the bourgeoise: pool of available workers that the capitalists call upon

Question 2

Westergaard and Resler (1976)

Answer 2

There’s little evidence of class divisions disappearing, they are widening.

Question 3

Braverman

Answer 3

Workers considered middle-class are experience deskilling, where their skills are being replaced by machines. This reduces their control over work and leads to lower wages, pushing them towards a working-class position.

Question 4

Zaretsky

Answer 4

Under capitalism, work is an alientating experience. Workers have little control over work and can’t achieve real satisfaction from it.

Question 5

Concept of ‘economic determinism’

Answer 5

Society is based upon an economic system in which the various agents of social control are determined by the economic mode of production. Within a capitalist society those agents of social control are designed to serve the interests of the ruling class.